A/N:  You are forewarned that there will be a few curses directed at God.  If you are sensitive to this, I'm sorry.  However, I felt it relevant considering Marguerite's state of mind while in the midst of her torment.

Chapter Five

Tears of Rage

Like the dead, Marguerite wandered into the kitchenette and poured herself a glass of wine.  The red liquid felt smooth and crisp as it slid like acid down her throat.  She staggered into her room, the glass dangling dangerously from two fingertips.  Pausing at the door, she peered around the barren room, her depression melting into righteous anger.  This was the room she had slept in for five years, two of which with Roxton.

Furious at her melancholic life, she threw her half-empty glass, smashing it against the farthest wall.  She rushed over, kicking over a wicker chair and screaming.  Rampant, she slammed her fist into the bedpost, tearing the skin.  Blood seeped unnoticed from the wound.

In an instant, a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around her, dragging her away from the furniture.  "Calm down, Marguerite," Malone ordered, twirling her around and pressing her roughly to him.  "Shh, it's going to be ok.  You're going to be ok."

"No, no, no," she wailed, her knees buckling.  "I want him back, Ned.  I want him back."

Malone smoothed a hand over the back of her head, his other one rubbing her back in small circular motions.  "I know.  I know you do, Marguerite."  He slowly lowered the weeping woman to the floor, never breaking their bound.  "Veronica and I will help you through this.  We're here for you."

Marguerite gazed up at him with haunted eyes.  "I need him, Ned," she rasped, her heart shattering before his eyes.  "I need him," she whispered so faintly he wondered if she said it the second time.  Then she cried until merciful sleep drained her of her energy.

Part Two

She awoke to darkness, sprawled out on her bed in all her clothing.  Disoriented, she struggled to set up, her eyes burning and swollen from her anguished crying hours before.  She staggered to her feet and stumbled out the door and into Roxton's old room.

Her blood ran cold, then turned ice solid in her veins.  "No," she pleaded.  "Please, God, no!"  She rushed forward, her hands reaching to roughly caress her husband's ashen face.  "Damn you," she shrieked, cradling Roxton in her arms and glaring up at Heaven.  "Damn you for doing this to me!  You've taken everything from me!  Everything!"

Two worried figures quickly appeared in the doorway.  Veronica came rapidly to her friend's side, her arms encircling the older woman's shoulders.  "Marguerite," she whispered soothingly.  Yet, didn't know how to continue.  She glanced feebly back at her husband and Malone gently nodded his head, stepping over to examine Roxton.

Veronica pried Marguerite away, but the heiress struggled venomously against her.  "Let me go!  Let me go!  Damn you, Veronica!  Let me go!  I want to be with him!  Let me hold him!  Please!"  She collapsed, sobbing with anguished tears that were torn viciously from her heart.  "Please," she murmured.  "Please let me be with him."

Malone sadly looked over at the suffering woman.  "Sure," he whispered.

End Chapter Five

Fab:  You know I personally wasn't too thrilled about the title either.  Lol.  Yet, at the time I wasn't sure where I was going with this.  I thought about changing it, but that may confuse some people.  Anyway, you're review was so fresh and very much welcomed.  I'm honored that you enjoyed Paybacks to the point that you would trust this story simply because it had my name on it.  You have no idea how wonderfully surprised that made me.  It's stunning.  You truly shocked me.